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Top RB prospects for Saints in 2025 NFL Draft

03/09/2025
Ashton Jeanty

By Ross Jackson

This year’s 2025 NFL Draft class is expected to have upwards of 20-30 draftable players at running back. A big name headlines them all in Boise State back Ashton Jeanty, but for teams that feel like the first-round price tag is a little too rich for their liking, the group offers a ton of high-impact players behind the Heisman finalist.

The New Orleans Saints would be wise to invest a pick at some point in this class. Behind starting running back Alvin Kamara, the Saints face many questions at the position. Last year’s late-season free agent signing Clyde Edwards-Helaire offers the most experience alongside Kamara, but behind them is a young room with some things left to prove.

Third-year back Kendre Miller has received a lot of criticism for his injury history and ball-carriers Jordan Mims and Xazavian Valladay haven’t seen a ton of opportunities to prove themselves just yet.

The Saints have an opportunity to boost competition, accelerate development, and even solidify the future of the position in this year’s draft. Beyond Jeanty, several other backs bring tremendous upside, offering the potential to become dynamic playmakers at the professional level.

North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton

Some say the gap between Jeanty as “RB1” and Hampton at “RB2” is fairly slim. The powerful rusher is a versatile playmaker with explosive long-speed, great vision, and impressive run after contact ability. 

If Hampton slips out of the first round, grabbing him at No. 40 overall would be a massive win for New Orleans. Even trading up slightly in the second round would be a smart move to secure a future workhorse back.

However, like Jeanty, Hampton carries some concerns due to his heavy college workload. With 534 carries over the past two seasons at North Carolina, he has absorbed significant contact. Given the high injury risk at his position, some teams may hesitate to invest a premium pick in him.

Since 2015, the Saints have drafted five running backs. Collectively, those backs averaged just 308.6 career carries. Hampton saw 281 in 2024 alone.

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Tennessee RB Dylan Sampson

Sampson is a big play waiting to happen. He’s a speedy back with remarkable breakaway on tape. Although he rushed over 250 times in 2024, he only saw a combined 164 carries in the two years prior. Sampson’s workload exceeds the Saints’ typical threshold, but his impressive play on tape may be too good to pass up.

Although some teams may view him as undersized, head coach Kellen Moore has found success with similar backs like Austin Ekeler (5-foot-9, 200 pounds) and Kenneth Gainwell (5-foot-9, 201 pounds). Given that track record, Moore may see Sampson’s size as an asset rather than a limitation, especially when combined with his skill set and durability.

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Arizona State RB Cameron Skattebo

If you enjoy confidence at running back, Skattebo is your guy. 

Overlooked all too often, the Sun Devils rusher is athletic, powerful, and versatile. Even without running the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, he still found a way to impress with his masterclass in explosion drills. 

Skattebo’s high motor and physicality are sure to make teams fall in love. He could seamlessly complement Kamara’s finesse in the backfield while also contributing as a pass-catcher, adding unpredictability to the Saints’ offense and keeping defenses on their toes. His prowess as a pass-catcher and route-runner out of the backfield are what sets him apart from the rest of his class.

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Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson

It’s about time that the Saints re-open the Ohio State to New Orleans pipeline after taking a year off since drafting wide receiver Chris Olave. Henderson in the second or third round this year could be the prospect that convinces them to do so. 

The Buckeyes back offers incredible acceleration, solid pass-catching ability, and willingness as a pass-blocker. A perfect complementary piece for a committee approach. He forced 37 missed tackles in 2024, while picking up 643 of his rushing yards after contact, per Pro Football Focus. His 7.1 yards per rushing attempt last year led the Big Ten. 

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Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson

One of the more underrated rushers in this year’s class, Johnson’s height and weight are ideal for the pro game on early downs. He hasn’t had a ton of experience catching out of the backfield, but that could come down more to opportunity than talent. Johnson isn’t a name that often flies off the top of people’s heads when talking about top rushing prospects. However, his talent is undeniable and he could make his name known at the next level without much doubt. 

His ability to break tackles and fight through contact are game changing. With the ball in his hands, the Hawkeyes back in dynamic and a true playmaker.

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Kansas State RB D.J. Giddens

One of the most unheralded backs in this year’s draft class, Gidden is a joy to watch because of his patience and discipline. 

His highlight runs stand out as much for his agility behind the line of scrimmage as for his explosive bursts through contact after planting his foot. He goes down at first contact a bit more than some of the other options; however, that would require the contact to happen in the first place.

Including explosion, agility, speed, and build, Giddens checks a lot of boxes. It’s surprising that he’s projected as a late-Day 2 or early Day 3 pick.

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UCF RB R.J. Harvey

Harvey is an explosive, speedy, and versatile back that can impact both the rushing and passing games. 

He piled on 69 missed tackles and 897 rushing yards after contact, both impressive. His 6.8 yards per carry led the Big 12 in 2024 and averaged 3.88 yards after contact. 

Harvey, a potential Day 3 pick, has the talent to start for more than 20 NFL teams. If the Saints take an interest, he could become a major steal, adding depth to their running back room while also serving as a versatile option for a post-Kamara future.

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